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Come learn about how The University of Texas-Pan American is forging relationships in Latin America during its annual Pan American Days celebration April 11-15.

UTPA's Office of International Programs (OIP) is hosting the weeklong event, which celebrates the University's and community's efforts in building relationships throughout the Americas.

This year's theme is Striking a Balance Between Technology, Humanities and the Environment, and will include several faculty presentations about their research and other projects conducted here and throughout Latin America, as well as art exhibits from Artists Unanimous and UTPA art students.

One highlight of this year's event is renowned artist Anna Nicholson from Puerto Rico visiting the campus and conducting workshops for students and the community. Her artwork will be on display at the Charles and Dorothy Clark Art Gallery in the Communication Arts and Sciences Building throughout the week.

Faculty presentations on Tuesday, April 12 are: "President Obama and Latin America" by Dr. Gary Mounce, associate professor of political science; and "Growing Technology-Growing Gap? Liberal Education and the Pursuit of Pan American Ideals in the University" by Ernesto Ramirez, lecturer in the Office of Undergraduate Studies.

Presentations on Wednesday, April 13 are: "Identifying Factors for Vitamin D Deficiency in Hispanics" by Dr. George P. Yanev, assistant professor of mathematics; and "The CIA/UTPA and Counterterrorism" by Dr. Philip Zwerling, assistant professor of English.

Presentations on Thursday, April 14 are: " 21st Century Technology Meets Indiana Jones: Mapping Ancient Andean Ruins Using Google Earth" by Dr. Robert Bradley, assistant professor of art; "The Demise of Knowledge Integration Across Disciplines: A Justification for Consilience, the Unity of Knowledge" by Dr. Noe Ramirez, associate professor of social work; and "The Environmental Crisis in the Gulf of Mexico: Causes and Consequences" by Dr. Arturo Vasquez, professor of marketing.

The University is also hosting a luncheon for the Pan American Round Table of Texas (PARTT) April 11, which will include presentations from UTPA faculty members on research and other work they've done throughout Latin America.

"With everything that's going on right now in our communities this is a wonderful way to bring out everybody together ... to show the community and UTPA ... We're all working together," said Dr. Yvonne Quintanilla, the OIP director. "I think it's really important to showcase the good things that are happening here and the efforts that the border scholars are making to keep the relationships alive. At the end of the day we are here to provide an education for our students."